Christmas Appeal

Christmas Appeal

Help peacemakers like Diana bring peace to children damaged by conflict.

Will you be a peacemaker by supporting Christmas Aid – our Christmas Appeal to help bring peace to people affected by conflict worldwide?

Violence destroys lives and tears families apart. But while peace is broken every day, it’s also built – by strong people working to heal their communities. These frontline peacemakers include Diana and Hamza in Lebanon, who help child survivors of conflict come to terms with their traumatic experiences.

Watch our film to find out more

How your donation will help

Your gift, of any amount, could help pay for counselling, art therapy and life-skills classes for a young refugee. It could give a traumatised child the care they need to get better and move on.

Diana's story

Diana (pictured, top) works with young Palestinian refugees in Nahr al-Bared camp, in a children's centre run by our partner Association Najdeh. The centre is a safe haven where children can recover from the impact of violence and conflict.

Psychologist Diana says that children arrive suffering from sleep disorders, depression and grief. She uses drawing and storytelling therapy to help children like Naziha, Hassan, and Wessam get well again.

Wessam takes part in a life-skills session at the centre where Diana works.

Photo: Christian Aid

Wessam struggled with behavioural and mental health problems when he first arrived. But after having psychotherapy, and taking part in other activities, he’s now getting better. ‘I like everything about the centre. Here, I’m not upset – I’m happy,’ he says.

A safe place to play

‘We give the children a place where they can find peace – working with them, their parents and their whole environment,’ says Diana.

But resources are stretched and the centre needs more funding to support the many children who need help.

‘We need more psychologists,' says Diana. ‘We need a playground for the children, so that they can play safely. We also need educational materials and games.'

Hamza's story

Hamza received support at the centre and now volunteers helping other children. 'When I see someone crying, I tell them not to cry – I tell them to stay strong,' he says.

Hamza’s family was ripped apart by the conflict in Syria. They were forced to flee their home in a refugee camp for Palestinians when fighting made it too dangerous to remain.

He misses his six brothers and sisters, who are now displaced across several countries.

After receiving support at the centre, Hamza now helps other children.

Photo: Christian Aid

Hamza says the centre has helped him a lot. 'It makes me happy,' he says.

Hamza and Diana are helping children who have been through so much – but they need your support.

Peace is possible this Christmas

Peace is not losing a friend and not making my mummy sad

’

Hamza

What is Christmas Aid?

Christmas Aid is our Christmas charity appeal. This year's theme is 'Be a peacemaker'. By supporting Christmas Aid, you can stand together with those on the frontline of peacemaking, bringing healing, wholeness and hope to people affected by conflict.

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About Christian Aid

We have more than 70 years’ experience of working in partnership to support communities to thrive. We tackle the root causes of poverty so that women, men and children the world over are strengthened against future knocks. And if disasters happen, we get people the help they want straight away.